asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what official request he has received from the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation to vary the terms of the Western European Union Treaty to enable the German Government to manufacture all or part of the Hawk guided missiles.

In accordance with the terms of the Revised Brussels Treaty, the Supreme Allied Commander has recommended the Council of Western European Union to make certain modifications in the Treaty, the effect of which would be to permit the Federal German Government to take part in the manufacture of Hawk missiles. As I said to the hon. Member for Ashfield (Mr. Warbey) on 13th July, the Council has now given its permission in principle.

I take it that there is no question of the Western German Government manufacturing the whole weapon? This being so, is it not rather a significant advance—perhaps the only advance that has been made—in interdependence between the Western European Union countries in the manufacture of weapon parts in each country? Has-Great Britain no part to play in this?

The answers to the first two parts of my hon. Friend's supplementary question are, "Yes, Sir".

Is this the thin end of the wedge? How long will it be before the Supreme Commander recommends that the Federal Government should be permitted to manufacture atomic weapons? What sort of nonsense is this?

The right hon. Gentleman is entirely wrong. This is not the thin end of any wedge. This is a defensive weapon which is being made in cooperation with other countries in the West. It is a weapon which has no atomic connotation at all.

Was this action taken on the initiative of the Supreme Commander himself or at a political level?

This sort of action has to be initiated by the Supreme Commander himself.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what steps the Government are taking to ensure early compensation from the Federal German Government for British citizens who suffered persecution by the Nazi régime and to secure compensation for those concentration camp survivors who are now political refugees and who, in defiance of undertakings given by the Federal German Government in the Bonn Convention, are being denied compensation under the Federal German Compensation Law.

Her Majesty's Government have opened discussions with the Federal German Government on this subject.

Have not these discussions been going on for some time and have not these people been very hardly treated indeed? Many years have gone by. Was there not a strict undertaking in the Bonn Convention of 1952, repeated in 1955, that this category of refugees should be sympathetically considered, and so far they have not been so considered?

I agree that a settlement is taking a long time. I hope that these negotiations will now achieve a settlement. The Federal German Government are in no doubt about the importance which we attach to the matter.

Is my hon. Friend aware that certain German doctors who were debarred by the German medical profession because of the part they played in carrying out experiments on prisoners during the war are now coming back into practice, with the permission of the German medical authorities?

That is a much wider question. I should prefer not to answer my hon. Friend until I have seen it on the Paper.

asked the Minister of Labour (1) if he will make a statement on his Department's Industrial Health Survey of the Pottery Industry in the city of Stoke-on-Trent; and what general action it is proposed to take;

The Report was published on 24th June and copies have been placed in the Library of the House. The Report has now been referred to the Joint Standing Committee of the Pottery Industry. This Committee, which consists of representatives of both sides of industry and of the Factory Inspectorate, will consider what further action should be taken to deal with the outstanding problems referred to in the Report and will make recommendations to me.

asked the Minister of Labour if he is aware of the appreciation of the surveys conducted by his Department in Halifax and in the city of Stoke-on-Trent; and if he will now have one carried out in Lancashire on the engineering industry, or select an area within the county suitable for a survey in engineering.

My right hon. Friend is glad to have this indication of appreciation of the two industrial health surveys recently carried out by the Factory Inspectorate. He proposes to consult the Industrial Health Advisory Committee on the question of further industrial health surveys.

While I appreciate that reply, may I ask whether the Parliamentary Secretary will draw his right hon. Friend's attention to the suggestion made in the Question?

I think that my right hon. Friend heard it.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he will now make a statement upon the further consideration he has given to increasing the scope, intensity and application of the use of his powers, towards the objective of ensuring that all industrial establishments employing more than 100 persons have canteens installed and operating, including facilities for serving hot food as well as hot beverages, all in accordance with undertakings he recently gave.

Regulations have been made requiring the provisions of canteens in certain circumstances in particular industries. Further regulations applying to other industries could be made if their special circumstances warranted it, and after full consultation with the interested organisations; but my right hon. Friend does not intend to make regulations requiring canteens to be provided in all factories above a certain size—regardless of the conditions and circumstances of the employment.

That is a profoundly disappointing Answer. Is my right hon. Friend aware that views were expressed from both sides of the House during protracted debates on the Factories Bill that a more general provision is now appropriate and that it would be based on the number of persons employed in factories? Will he take note of the fact that I shall return to this topic immediately after the General Election with my right hon. Friend, with whose conduct in the matter I am very disappointed, or with his successor?

It may be that I shall have the pleasure of answer further Questions from my hon. Friend on this matter. I would point out to him that the reason why my right hon. Friend, after careful consideration, did not decide to do as my hon. Friend suggested was that in factories of any size circumstances vary widely. When I spoke in the debate I explained that it would be difficult, but it was in fact found that it would be impossible.

Is the hon. Member aware that there is disappointment on this side of the House, too, that he cannot be more forthcoming on this vital issue? We have debated this on the Factories Bill and on various other occasions. By what criterion will the Minister judge whether the factory shall have a canteen or not? It appears that wherever we have a reasonable number of people, 100 or a number of that kind, it is necessary, irrespective of the type of operation they perform, that they should have the facilities for obtaining meals.

As the hon. Member knows, my right hon. Friend has made a number of regulations under his powers under Section 46 of the Act. He would have considered any representations which had been made to him, but in fact representations have not ben made on the line which the hon. Member and my hon. Friend the Member for Kidderminster (Mr. Nabarro) are now following.

asked the Minister of Labour whether, in readiness for redundancy in industry consequent on the introduction of automation and atomic energy, he will consider legislation providing for a progressive reduction in working hours.

I do not accept the implications in the first part of the Question. The answer to the second part of the Question is, "No, Sir."

The right hon. Gentleman will surely not dispute the contention that, in future years, as a result of the introduction of atomic energy and automation, there might be considerable redundancy, and, if we are to mitigate the harsh results of redundancy, is it not better to proceed in a progressive and co-ordinated fashion for a reduction of hours rather than by piecemeal negotiation?

With respect, I would dispute that contention. All forms of technological change lead to different jobs or to better jobs, but not to fewer jobs. The matter referred to in the second part of the right hon. Gentleman's Question is something for industry-by-industry negotiation in this country.

If the Minister has not any information as yet, will he read the reappraisal report of the British Transport Commission, where it indicates that, as a result of modern developments, very many fewer people will be required to do the same work? Does that not warrant a reduction in hours?

Of course, we are having many studies, by the D.S.I.R., by my National Joint Advisory Council, and by other authorities. Naturally, I do not say that precisely the same level of employment will apply in each industry or factory. One must look at the overall position. I am confident that we have nothing to fear from the coming of technological change, and it will not mean widespread redundancy over the country.

Is the Minister aware of the situation, for example, in the tin-plate industry where in a very short time there has been tremendous technical change, and one of the problems thrown up—a very important one—concerns men of fifty years of age who lose their old skill and who very often find it difficult to adjust themselves to new methods? Is this not a special problem which ought to receive attention?

Yes, I quite agree; and this is one of the matters studied by the D.S.I.R. and by the National Joint Advisory Council.

asked the Minister of Labour how far he is able to forecast the state of employment in the next two years; and what schemes are in contemplation by the Government for the purpose of dealing with unemployment.

There is every prospect that employment will continue to expand with the recovery in economic activity. As to the second part of the Question, the right hon. Gentleman will be aware of the measures taken by the Government to reduce unemployment, both in the country as a whole and in particular areas. Those measures will continue to be applied when and where it seems necessary.

Is the right hon. Gentleman really satisfied that these minor measures which the Government are adopting are sufficient to deal with redundancy in, let us say, the mining industry, the railways and elsewhere in the next few years? Have the Government no plan whatever? If they have a plan, will they tell us what it is?

As regards the plan, of course, that is governed by the general economic measures which the Chancellor, in particular, takes. As regards local employment, we have been working through the machinery of D.A.T.A.C. and the Distribution of Industry Acts. I do not pretend that I am wholly satisfied with what has been achieved over the last eighteen months, but, as we are moving into and, indeed, we are already in a period of considerable economic expansion, I very much hope that it will be possible to solve the problems of some of the more difficult areas in this period through which we are now moving.

Can the Minister make a statement about the prospects in the shipbuilding and ship-repairing industries?

Not without notice.

Will the Minister agree that D.A.T.A.C. and the Distribution of Industry (Industrial Finance) Act have not stimulated employment at all?

No. Those Measures have, to some extent, had their effect, but, as I said in my answer a moment ago, not to the extent that I should like to see. The reason, of course, is that, in the difficult times we have had during the last year or fifteen months, there has been less industry ready and anxious to move. I believe that that situation is now on the turn, and that is why I am more hopeful.

The Minister speaks of the action of the Government as if it had reduced unemployment. Is it not a fact that they have merely refrained from doing the things which caused unemployment last year?

This is really a very important matter. Despite his good will, I doubt that the right hon. Gentleman is really dealing effectively with the matter. Will he say, for example, what plan is in contemplation to deal with the deterioration in the shipbuilding industry? Is he aware that people in the shipyards have very few orders and they do not expect to receive many orders in the next five or six years?

Yes, but I think that a question which goes as widely away as that from the Question on the Order Paper is one which ought to be put down. My right hon. Friend the Prime Minister, a short time ago in the House, dealt specifically with the problems of the shipbuilding industry.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is now in a position to make a further statement about an agreement under Section 9 of the Baking Industry (Hours of Work) Act, 1954, between the National Association of Master Bakers, Confectioners and Caterers and the Amalgamated Union of Operative Bakers, Confectioners and Allied Workers.

Yes, Sir. I welcome the successful negotiation of this agreement and, on the application of the parties concerned, I am making an Order under Section 9 of the Baking Industry (Hours of Work) Act, 1954, which will exempt from the provisions of the Act all bakery workers employed by employers who are parties to the agreement.

Will my right hon. Friend thank those of his officials who helped to bring this matter to such a satisfactory conclusion, and will he thank his Parliamentary Secretary, also, who worked as hard as anyone to help this industry, sometimes in the face of considerable obstruction from hon. Members opposite?

This is a satisfactory agreement, and I am very glad that it has been achieved.

Does this not show the justification for the suggestion which was urged, that this should be left to the industry itself to decide? Is it not likely that, if the Bill which was before the House had been passed, there would not have been anything like a satisfactory conclusion?

These negotiations, which have ended successfully, started, as the right hon. Gentleman knows very well, after the Bill passed its Second Reading in the House. I think that that acted as a useful stimulus.

That is quite correct, but I think the House ought to understand that it was the employers who hung up negotiations and not the trade union.

asked the Minister of Labour what evidence he has, in the form of factory closures and redundances, of a general contraction in employment in the engineering industry in the Poole—Bournemouth—Christchurch area.

Major redundancies have been confined to the aircraft industry and defence establishments. Other small redundancies have been offset by increased employment in firms new to the area.

Is my right hon. Friend satisfied that everything possible has been and is being done to find alternative employment either within the area or outside it for those who have been made redundant?

We are doing everything we can. My hon. Friend does realise, of course, that this is not and cannot be, on these figures, a priority area. Subject to that, my right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade and I will try to help if we can.

The Minister mentioned the aircraft industry. Is he aware that there is very considerable apprehension now about the future of the industry, and that de Havilland, A. V. Roe and Short Brothers are all declaring redundancies? Will the Minister see to it that, in the areas where people will be affected, a special effort is made to supply alternative work?

Yes, I am aware of that anxiety, but we should recognise, also, the other side, that the Ministry of Labour has, on the whole, had more remarkable success in the placing of people made redundant in the aircraft industry—perhaps because of their skill and adaptability—than in any other sector of the economy.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (1) what is the method of buying employed by his Department for purchases of concentrated orange juice from Israel destined for the Welfare Foods Scheme;

All the concentrated orange juice bought by my Ministry from approved factories in Israel, for the Welfare Foods Service, has been purchased under contracts made with the Citrus and Canned Products Association of Israel, of which most of the canners are members.

Question No. 39 refers quite specifically to the percentage of trade conducted through S. and S. Services Limited. Will the Minister answer that?

If the hon. Gentleman reads my Answer, he will see that I said that the contracts have been made with the Citrus and Canned Products Association of Israel, of which most canners are members. It has all been done through the Association.

In view of that Answer, which I rather expected, after having correspondence with the Ministry, I wish to say that I am very perturbed by the methods now being adopted and that I shall take an early opportunity to raise the matter on the Adjournment.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what was the average weekly consumption in weight of bacon per head in this country in 1938, 1948 and 1958 or the latest available year, respectively.

The weekly average consumption of bacon and ham during the years 1934–38 was 8·6 oz. per head and in 1948 and 1958 was 3·4 oz. and 7·7 oz., respectively.

While congratulating my right hon. Friend on the increase in bacon consumption since we left Socialist scarcity, will he do everything he can to stimulate the consumption of bacon, which is still substantially below pre-war levels, in order to help the British bacon producer?

I have very considerable sympathy with what my hon. Friend says. I believe that increased consumption can be provided as long as we get the quality we need and as long as the housewife is satisfied that she gets what she wants.

Will the right hon. Gentleman look at this matter seriously? Will he help British curers to increase the consumption of bacon here? There is plenty of room for it if the curers can get the assistance of the Minister.

I am sure that the hon. Gentleman and I between us will do what we can to help in this situation.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what publicity has been given to the consumers' committees set up under the Agricultural Marketing Act, 1958, to consider the effect of the operation of marketing schemes on consumers; and what further action he will take to bring the existence of these committees to the attention of consumers.

I am on the whole satisfied with the arrangements for bringing the existence of these committees to the notice of the public. The first series of their post-war Reports was made public last September and attracted a fair amount of attention. Press notices are also issued by the Agricultural Departments from time to time about the committees' work. However, I am, with the agreement of the committees, having a pamphlet issued to organisations, such as the Citizens' Advice Bureaux, which have contacts with the general public. In this way I hope to focus even greater attention on the committees, which form an important part of the statutory safeguards in relation to the operation of marketing schemes. I will send a copy of the pamphlet to my hon. Friend and I will also have copies placed in the Library.

I thank my right hon. Friend for that Answer. I am sure that the pamphlet will be most helpful. Has he considered having a stiff card attractively printed with the title and address of the marketing committee on it, which can be permanently posted in places housewives congregate, such as shopping centres and so on? Pamphlets have a habit of finding their way into the dustbin after a very short period.

My hon. Friend has great experience in these matters. I will certainly consider her suggestion to see whether it is practicable.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what arrangements he is making for the immediate acquisition, prior to the establishment of the proposed statutory Covent Garden Market authority, of the City Road site intended to be used as the permanent annexe to Covent Garden Market for storing empty containers and produce in bulk.

I am considering various possibilities. As I said in reply to the hon. Member on 20th July, I propose in due course to introduce legislation under which the freehold interest in the site of the annexe will be vested in the new Market Authority. In the meantime, discussions are taking place with the owner of the site who has suggested possible arrangements whereby an early start might be made on its development for the purposes I have in view. Another possibility is that either the London County Council or the Corporation of the City of London might be willing to acquire the site by exercising powers which they are seeking in two Bills now before Parliament.

I am much obliged to the right hon. Gentleman. Will he confirm that it is his wish, as it is the wish of the London County Council and, I think, of the traders in Covent Garden Market, that there will be no delay in acquiring this site in some form or other and that we shall not have to await the establishment of the new market authority before effective arrangements are made for the use of the site as an annexe?

The hon. Gentleman is quite correct; that is my wish.

Can the Minister tell the House what transport arrangements he proposes to make between Covent Garden itself and the annexe? The traffic difficulties in this part of central London inevitably will be increased by this development.

No. I think that the reverse is the case. Once we can get this depot going, I hope that the traffic problem will be very considerably eased. As the hon. Lady knows, the traffic problem in the Covent Garden area is very difficult. A solution to this problem has eluded us for some time.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether he will give an assurance that there is no danger of the spread of brucellosis melitensis to other herds following the disposal of animals from a herd suffering from this disease.

My Ministry has no knowledge of a case where a spread of infection to other herds has occurred. But I am told that in theory this possibility cannot be ruled out.

Will the right hon. Gentleman look very carefully into this matter, having regard to the fact that this disease can bring about undulant fever in human beings and therefore is extremely dangerous?

I can assure the hon. Gentleman that I have studied this case with the very greatest care. I have considerable sympathy with the owner of this herd.

asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster how far those who compile Commonwealth Survey for the Central Office of Information are required to keep a fair balance between Government and Opposition in reporting House of Commons debates.

The Commonwealth Survey, produced by the Central Office of Information on behalf of the three Overseas Departments for distribution abroad, is concerned primarily with the documentation of Her Majesty's Government's policies. In the case of major debates in the House of Commons, HANSARD references are given and the views of the Opposition reported.

Does the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster really think that it is an adequate expression of view for the Hola debate to be summarised in 55 lines, 47 of which are given to the Government and eight to the Opposition? In those eight lines two interpolations of Government views are expressed in brackets.

My recollection of the report is that there is a long section of background which includes much that was said on behalf of the Opposition and that accompanying this document when it goes overseas is a copy of HANSARD itself.

Does not my right hon. Friend think that it would be kinder to hon. Members opposite to omit the eight lines?

Is not the right hon. Gentleman aware that most of the very fair background piece which precedes the debate is devoted to analysing the White Paper which was published and the magistrate's inquest and has nothing to do with what was said during the debate by the Opposition? Will the right hon. Gentleman give me a straight answer? Does he think that a fair balance is represented between eight and 47 lines?

The report of the magistrate's inquest played a substantial part ill the Opposition's observations on that occasion. I think that the report is fair, bearing in mind that it is accompanied by, and makes direct reference to, the current issue of HANSARD.

asked the Minister of Pensions and National Insurance what were the grounds for the increases of pension made last year in some 1,700 cases to 1914–18 War pensioners.

In 1,407 cases there was worsening of the war disablement and in 320 consequential disabilities were accepted. In addition there were seven cases of amputation in which on re-measurement the original measurement of the stump was found to be wrong, and it was possible therefore to increase the assessment.

If the Ministry has enough evidence to make these increases and also to accept new claims in respect of the 1914–18 War at this late stage—it has accepted 115 such claims within the last two years—is it not clear that appeal tribunals would also have access to such evidence to enable them to judge the rights of the claimants? Will he not, therefore, take steps to extend to ex-Service men of the 1914–18 War the same right of appeal to tribunals as is enjoyed by ex-Service men of the last war?

No, Sir. I think that the hon. Lady is quite wrong. There is, as she appreciates, obvious difficulty in obtaining evidence in respect of disabilities suffered forty years ago, but it is much easier to deal with them sympathetically in the way we do than to prove them to the satisfaction of a tribunal.

The ex-Service men are ready to take the risk. Why not let them do so?

The hon. Lady will be aware that, together with my predecessors of all parties, I have taken the view that it would be no kindness—indeed, it would be the reverse—to raise hopes which would inevitably cause a very large number of nugatory appeals.

It is what the men want.

asked the Minister of Pensions and National Insurance what progress has been made in the arrangements for the appointment of the Registrar to consider applications to contract out under Part II of the National Insurance Act, 1959.

I hope to refer to the National Insurance Advisory Committee within a few days a draft of the regulations under Section 13 of the National Insurance Act, 1959, which are necessary before the Registrar can be appointed. I have it in mind, as soon as these regulations are made, to appoint as Registrar Mr. N. Leach, an Under-Secretary of my Department. Meanwhile, as Registrar designate, he will be available for informal consultation.

asked the Minister of Pensions and National Insurance whether any change has now been decided upon in the words "National Assistance" which at present appear on order books authorising these grants.

Yes, Sir. The National Assistance Board has informed me that it is arranging for these words to be replaced on the order books by the words "Supplement to Pension or other Weekly Grant". Books of the new type are expected to be available about the end of the year.

asked the Paymaster-General whether he will state the respective stocks of coke, distributed and undistributed, and for both domestic and industrial use; how these stocks compare with the equivalent date in two preceding years, namely 1958 and 1957; and what is the trend of coke demand for domestic and industrial purposes compared with these two earlier years.

As the Answer contains a number of figures, I will, with permission, circulate the available information in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

asked the Paymaster-General in view of the facilities given to engineers of the Mitsubishi Nippon Heavy Industries Company, Yokohama, to inspect s.s. "Methane Pioneer", of which the Gas Council is joint owner with the Constock International Methane Company, United States of America, and, in view of the fact that the information gained is to be used in the construction of two 30,000-ton natural gas carriers in Japan in competition with United Kingdom shipbuilders, whether he will give a general direction to the Gas Council not to allow such facilities to be given to foreign engineers, thus ensuring that ships which are chartered in future by the Gas Council are built either in the United Kingdom or the United States of America.

My noble Friend has received the assurance of the Gas Council that no such facilities have been granted to Japanese engineers or are in contemplation.

asked the Paymaster-General what consideration he is giving to proposals by the Electricity Council for extending the benefits of the Pensions (Increase) Act to ex-local authority pensioners covered by their Protected Persons Scheme without the long delay experienced in the past.

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given to my hon. Friend the Member for Tynemouth (Dame Irene Ward) on 8th June last. I understand that the Electricity Council has this matter under consideration and will be submitting proposals to my noble Friend.

Is the right hon. Gentleman not aware that in the past when there have been previous Pensions (Increase) Acts these ex-local authority pensioners have had to wait an intolerable time for the application of these increases to them, although they have had just as much right to them as have the people to whom the Acts in terms applied? Will the Minister ensure that this delay is obviated?

I will not argue with the hon. Lady about what happened in the past. I can assure her that when these proposals are forthcoming we will see that they are dealt with expeditiously.

asked the Minister of Supply on what date the contract was placed for the Britannic aircraft; what was the number ordered; and when deliveries can be expected to commence.

As regards the first two parts of the Question, my right hon. Friend said in reply to my hon. Friend the Member for Belfast, East (Mr. McMaster) on 23rd July that no contract had yet been placed, but the process of translating broad design proposals into the detailed specification required for contract purposes is nearing completion. As regards the last part of the Question, as my right hon. Friend told my hon. Friend on 29th June, the prototype should be flying in 1962 and the aircraft is expected to enter service in 1964.

While I am obliged to my hon. Friend for his reply, may I ask him to impress upon his right hon. Friend that the contract for an aircraft which does not carry any fixed armament should have been concluded by now? It is important to do this to enable the Royal Air Force to have the aeroplane and to give the workers in Ulster additional work. Will my hon. Friend give an assurance that the contract will be placed in the next few weeks?

I am sure that my hon. and gallant Friend, with his experience of the aircraft industry, will realise that to translate a paper proposal for such a large and complex aircraft as this takes a little time, but I will convey to my right hon. Friend what he has said.

While thanking my hon. Friend for the Answer given by his right hon. Friend the Minister, to which he has referred, may I ask whether my hon. Friend is aware that during the past few weeks Messrs Short Brothers and Harland have received inquiries from several potential overseas purchasers of the Britannic? Will the Minister take steps to expedite the decision concerning the type and number required, so that the company can pursue negotiations for the sale of these powerful freighter aircraft abroad?

I am delighted to hear about these inquiries. Anything that we can do to help Short Brothers and Harland in this connection, we shall certainly do.

asked the Minister Health if he will give instructions to his hospital architecture and design unit to give consideration to the importance of limiting heat loss by the use of double windows, fibre glass and similar insulating materials.

The Ministry's design unit is fully conscious of the advantages of double windows and insulating materials and the circumstances in which it would be economic and practicable to recommend their more extensive use are being considered.

Do not the Parliamentary Secretary and his right hon. and learned Friend realise that greater care regarding heat insulation would avoid the necessity of polluting the air by sulphur oxide from the heating of hospitals, which was so much objected to, and rightly, by the Manchester City Council?

Yes, we shall certainly bear those considerations in mind as well.

asked the Minister of Health in how many cases he has had complaints of the discharge of smoke or sulphur oxides from hospital chimneys during the last year for which records are available; and what action was taken.

Eight were reported to my right hon. and learned Friend by local authorities under the Clean Air Act in the year ended 30th June, 1959. In five, modifications have been made which are expected to prove satisfactory; in two, major reorganisation of boiler services has been authorised; and at one hospital tenders for a new boiler have been invited.

In the cases in which improvements have been carried out, has the amount of sulphur dioxide as well as the amount of smoke been reduced?

I would require notice concerning differentiation between the two kinds of effluent. Perhaps the hon. Member will put down that Question.

When the hon. Gentleman says that only eight local authorities have reported this condition, has he made representations to all the other institutions for which his Ministry is responsible that they should take action similar to that which he has described?

The Question refers specifically to the case of hospitals, with which I was disposed to deal. The other institutions are, of course, under precisely the same sort of obligation to do all they can to mitigate any nuisance that arises.

Will the Parliamentary Secretary pay attention to the fact that in some of these cases the medical officers of health would have taken action but for the fact that the hospitals belonged to the nation? Will the hon. Gentleman see that there is less delay in dealing with these important matters when the department concerned reports to him that work needs doing?

I will certainly look into any specific case which the hon. Lady may care to bring to me. As I think she knows, however, the capital allocated to hospital boards for plant replacement is being used to a considerable extent to replace worn out boiler plant and to renew obsolete boiler-firing equipment with the most efficient modern developments. My right hon. and learned Friend has drawn the attention of boards to the desirability of keeping the requirements of the Clean Air Act in view in deciding how this money should be used.

asked the Minister of Health (1) what reply he has sent to the letter he received from the Cardiff Health Committee concerning the shortage in the number of hospital beds available for maternity cases in the city; and whether he will make a statement;

asked the Minister of Health if he is aware that it is necessary for the maternity hospitals in Cardiff to provide a substantial number of beds for persons not resident in the city, and for that reason the number of beds now existing is inadequate; and if he will reconsider the matter with a view to increasing the number of hospital beds for maternity cases.

In replying to the Health Committee, my right hon. and learned Friend has pointed out that the available information suggests that 137 out of 205 maternity beds in Cardiff are available to Cardiff residents, or 0·541 per 1,000 population, which, as he informed the hon. Member for Cardiff, South-East (Mr. Callaghan) on 27th April last, is a higher and not a lower ratio than the national figures. He also pointed out that the position would be reviewed in the light of the recommendations of the Cranbrook Committee.

Is the Minister aware that there is considerable dissatisfaction in Cardiff with the reply, which was considered misleading, which he gave to my hon. Friend, who, no doubt, will want to pursue the matter himself? How long will it take to complete the review to which the Minister now refers? The local health authority is deeply anxious at the shortage of these beds available?

A memorandum will be sent out to the Welsh Regional Hospital Board, as to other hospital boards, asking it to review the needs of the area for maternity beds in the light of the Cranbrook Report. That will be done without delay.

Is not the hon. Gentleman ignoring the point made to him in correspondence from the hospital board that Cardiff has to provide a number of beds to people who are not resident in the city, that they come from outside the city and, therefore, the ratio given by the hon. Gentleman to show that we have a more favourable ratio then generally is not accurate if one takes into account the number of people outside the city for whom beds have to be provided?

That is a perfectly fair point, but Cardiff is not in a unique situation in raising that kind of objection.

As the Cranbrook Committee recommended that 70 per cent. of deliveries should take place in hospital, how does the hon. Gentleman reconcile the figures he has given with the number of deliveries?

I was not asked to do so, but, as I said in an earlier reply to the hon. Gentleman, the memorandum which we are sending out to the Welsh Regional Hospital Board is drawing its attention to this whole matter, and we must see what it thinks fit to say about it.